How to Plan a Casual Al Fresco Dinner Party for Summer Socializing

Outdoor Party Lights

An inexpensive set of string lights ($15, Target) hung in trees or over the seating area can add sparkle to backyard or balcony gatherings. They work for every summer gathering, adding an easy ambiance that can stay outside all season.

Simple Flower Tabletop Display

A row of low candles and tall bottle vases forms a perennially pretty centerpiece; you could add any flower you like, though peonies work exceptionally well because of their long, strong stems. See-through bottles are a must because they're not intrusive to guests' conversations.

It's easy to put together a basic party formula that you revise with different food and flowers. Reuse the bottle centerpieces, lights, and dishes for your next outdoor affair.

Outdoor Tableware Tips

The rustic beauty of an outdoor table means you needn't obsess about matching. Pink dishes from years ago work just fine with vintage flatware from a flea market. Or opt for shatterproof dishware in the color of your choice (similar to these Better Homes & Gardens Eco-Friendly Bamboo Melamine Round Dinner Bowls, $3, Walmart). For napkins, mix-and-match fabric scraps offer an offbeat add-in. No need to hem—the lifespan of a party napkin is short anyway.

Side Table Outdoor Setting

A side table of light refreshments and a pretty conversation-starting art piece help the alfresco dinner party flow. Top a small table with a square of fabric and add pour-your-own pitchers (like this Better Homes & Gardens 2-Gallon Clear Iridescent Glass Dispenser, $20, Walmart) of lemonade. Above it, hang an outdoor chandelier made from photos. Snap flowers from your garden with an instant camera like the Fujifilm Instax Mini ($80, Target), allow each image to develop and clip them up with miniature pins to create the art.

Outdoor Flower Photo Display

For this photo chandelier, a tight-in shot of a single flower works well. You also could pick a few flowers in your party's colors to showcase. Don't have a garden to photograph? We have plenty of free flower images to browse through and print!

Lemonade Stand and Labels

This grown-up lemonade stand, where the drinks are infused with herbs and studded with fresh fruit, looks as good as it tastes. Float lemons, herbs, or strawberries in large drink pitchers to add color to your outdoor table. Labels also help guests preview their selection. Add ice to a tub (like this Better Homes & Gardens Medium White Galvanized Oval Tub, $10, Walmart) to chill wine or champagne if desired.

Grilled Salmon & Leeks with Rosemary-Mustard Butter

This easy-yet-elegant dinner party dish is topped with irresistible mustard butter. Slather it on the grilled fish and leeks for a wow-worthy main course.

Peach and Tomato Salad

This juicy summer salad is loaded with the best of the season. Fresh peaches, basil, and tomatoes belong together. Make them even better with a sprinkle of feta cheese, pecans, and red onion.

Easy Grilled Fruit Kabobs

A casual make-ahead meal, such as pasta with tomatoes and fresh herbs and cold summer soup, ensures low-maintenance party prep for a perfect alfresco dinner party. For dessert, deliciously easy grilled fruit is as much fun as toasting s'mores and healthier. Skewer fruit chunks onto sturdy sprigs of rosemary to add flavor and flair. Then have guests grill their own in a basket over the fire pit. (A barbecue grill works, too.)

For more sturdy kabobs, you can also use reusable metal skewers ($5, Target).